By ROB BEASLEY
And Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is considering letting the England striker go.
The Royals have made the first move for the 22-year-old.
They have been encouraged by United’s response and hope to clinch a deal by the weekend.
Welbeck has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season since Robin van Persie’s arrival. He is also behind Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.
Reading have also signed Crawley midfielder Hope Akpan for £300,000 on a 3½-year deal. Boss Brian McDermott said: “We have known all about Hope for a very long time.
“He has a great pedigree, coming through the ranks at Everton. There were a lot of clubs in for him during this window but once he heard of our interest this was the only place he wanted to play.
“He’s 21 and is a player we feel can play at this level.”
Meanwhile, Fergie is sending United striker Davide Petrucci and stopper Scott Wootton out on loan to help son Darren who is manager of Peterborough.
